If you’ve been an Orange resident for more than a year than you most likely have heard of Connor Deane.

Connor is an incredibly talented actor/singer who graced the Amity High School stage from freshman year until graduation. He excelled in every role he took on, including his final high school performance as Marius in “Les Miserables.”

A recent graduate of The Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music; he holds a degree in Musical Theatre. Connor has taught extensively all over the country.

He directed such projects as the League of Cincinnati Theatres (LCT) award-winning production of the “Revue Review” in Cincinnati, as well as the regional collegiate premier of “Les Miserables.” He is a proud Actors’ Equity Association Member.

Now that he is an adult, Connor has embarked on a new venture, the Co-founder/Producer of an acting studio here in Connecticut. I would love to share with the Orange community what we have going on.

Here’s what Connor had to say about it:

After graduating, I felt that I wanted to do something immediately. Some sort of giving back to a community that supported me for the past 8 years.

Upon talking with some people, I decided to open a summer program where high school kids with a passion for musical theater could come study for three weeks. We’ve titled it Broadway Method Academy or BMA.

Our goal is to give these kids top notch training from professional actors from across the country. All of whom are part of the professional actors union, Actor’s Equity Association.

I’ve designed a program that will give the kids an opportunity to work on various genres of acting, singing and dancing. They will attend different classes throughout the three weeks to further their skills in the art of musical theater.

However, the coolest part is the support BMA has received from the Broadway community in NYC.

I wanted to have some draw for the kids to attend the program. I’ve reached out to the Broadway community and they have been nothing but supportive of this program. So many people who are starring in Broadway shows wanted to be involved somehow.

Visiting Artists

This year, we decided we would bring in three Broadway artists to come and teach the kids for a day. We’re calling it our Broadway Artists Masterclasses.

For this summer we’ve lined up an incredible array of talent. First we have Telly Leung of Godspell and Rent. Telly was also seen opposite Darren Criss in the hit Fox series ‘Glee’. Next we have, Lindsay Mendez. Lindsay was most recently seen as the 10th anniversary Elphaba in Wicked on Broadway. She has also been seen in Dogfight, Godspell, Everyday Rapture and Grease. Finally we have Tony nominee, Rob McClure of Chaplin. Rob was nominated last Tony season for his acclaimed role of Charlie Chaplin in the musical Chaplin.

As you can see, we have a pretty exciting program happening this summer.

The program will be run at Performing Arts Center of Connecticut in Trumbull for the month of July!

There is more information on our website http://www.broadwaymethodacademy.com/

Upcoming Events

After a one-week hiatus, the Orange Community Farmers’ Market returns to the Orange Fairgrounds Pavilion. The local farmers are back with a larger variety of fresh picked seasonal vegetables and flowers, hand-crafted hats and scarves, [Read The Full Story]

This year’s Senior Summer Cookout will be held in the High Plains Pavilion on Monday, Aug. 10 with a rain date of Tuesday, Aug 11 from 5 to 8 pm. John Paolillo with Kickback Duo will [Read The Full Story]

The Orange Community Services final outdoor all-ages show in the Gazebo is scheduled for Wednesday, August 12, 6:30-8:30 p.m.—The Bourbon Cowboys—Country. Rain date is Thursday, August 13. Orange Transportation is available to Orange seniors or disabled residents, [Read The Full Story]

The Rotary Club of Orange will host its annual Lobsterfest at High Plains, Saturday, Aug. 15 from 3:30 to 7 p.m. Tickets may be purchased online at the address above or from any Rotarian. Cost [Read The Full Story]

The Orange Democratic Town Committee will host a Meet the Candidates Picnic at the Pavilion at High Plains on Wednesday, Aug. 19 from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Contribution is $25 for picnic fare and a [Read The Full Story]

Advanced Spine and Sport, 501 Boston Post Road, Liberty Square Plaza, Orange, is hosting a “Back-to-School” Backpack and Posture Screening. Bring you child in for a free posture screening and a check to see if they’re [Read The Full Story]

Direct from Las Vegas, OH WHAT A NIGHT! A Musical Tribute to Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons will perform at the Quick Center to benefit the Jamie Hulley Arts Foundation’s scholarship and educational grants [Read The Full Story]

Get ready for the Orange Country Fair, prepare your contest entries and nurture your plants. The fair is scheduled for Saturday Sept. 19 and Sunday Sept 20 this year. Save the date and bring the [Read The Full Story]

The Orange Recycling Committee once again offers its FREE Shredding Day for Orange residents. The event will take place on Saturday, Oct. 17 in the driveway in front of the High Plains Community Center. Bring [Read The Full Story]